Mark Wonder waves his rainbow color Colorado flag as he and about 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

Consuelo Sidas (L) and Brooke Heise attend the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida. More than 2,00 supporters attended the event.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

About 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

About 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

About 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

About 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

About 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

About 2,000 supporters attended the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

Jason Busch (L) and Gerardo Aguirre with about 2,000 other supporters attend the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida.

Rain fell, lightning flashed and umbrellas popped up at Cheesman Park on Monday night as the people who gathered to honor and memorialize those gunned down in Orlando, Fla., stood strong, determined to ride out the storm.

The weather could have been a reason for people to stay home safe and dry. Still, more than a couple of thousand gathered at the pavilion on the north side of the park to denounce violence and hate, with a silent candlelight vigil in wake of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

“You have to find your footing when there is no stable ground,” said Arnie Carter, 58, of Denver.

Carter said he found comfort being among those who gathered, mostly members of the LGBT community, their family and friends.

“We’re trying to fight hate, with love,” he said.

The program started about 8 p.m. with a chorus of, “We are a gentle living people, we are singing for our lives.”

As the song built strength, the setting sun ducked below the cloud ceiling, bathing the pavilion in a soft sunlight. At one point, a rainbow appeared above the pavilion.

Debe Alikchicoo, 62, said she attended the event to make a statement and be counted.

“I’m here to let the world know, I’m one person against the violence,” said Alikchicoo, an American Indian and lesbian. “Enough is enough. We need peace. People are people, and life is sacred.”

Blanca Leos, a board member of Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, or PFLAG Denver, which organized the event, welcomed the crowd.

“We are here with all of you, to support you, and to mourn all the victims,” Leos said.

Leos said Sunday she was alarmed and saddened as news of the Orlando slaughter — 49 dead and more than 50 wounded — spread around the world. It was a tragic event across the country but also hit home for her because she is mother to an LGBT community member.

“As a mother, the last thing you want to hear is that your loved one is in danger,” she said.

Dave Montez, executive director of One Colorado, an LGBTQ support organization, also felt a direct connection.

Saturday night into Sunday morning was Latino night at Pulse, where the shooting took place.

Many of the people killed were gay, Latino men.

John Leyba, The Denver Post

Matt Cantwell wipes a tear as he attends the PFLAG Denver chapter candle vigil June 13, 2016 at Cheeseman Park. A silent candle vigil was held in support of the tragic event at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida. More than 2,00 supporters attended the event.

“I have a personal sense of loss,” Montez said.

Reflecting on the mass shooting and offering ways to respond, Montez urged the crowd to “be kind to your Muslim neighbors and co-workers.” The statement drew a long round of heightened applause.

Montez also urged people to give blood to local blood banks.

As the program moved on, the weather took another stormy turn.

Many people popped colorful umbrellas and hugged the person beside them to keep warm out in the rain, and to share comfort and feel strength in a close bond.

Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. He started at the Post in 1986, at the old building on 15th and California streets. Nicholson has covered a variety of beats including suburbs, courts, crime and general assignment.

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